The roundabout is busy with official figures in 2010 showing an average of nearly 30,000 motorists use it each day. Presumably this figure is now even higher and such massive volumes create frustration, congestion, and prompt people to take risks.
Other factors increase the danger. My observation is that more and more drivers are becoming increasingly aggressive as they enter roundabouts and other drivers are then planting their foot at the last minute hoping to sneak through in time.
Both actions are borne from frustration and a growing lack of patience.
This roundabout issue has been dragging on for years. The Bay of Plenty Times reported in 2010 highway officials were looking at options to fix the problem and we editorialised something needed to be done before things got further out of hand.
Nearly a year ago, we reported the roundabout was unlikely to be fixed for at least three years despite it being ranked at the time as the country's most urgent roading job.
But, as we reveal today, there is hope. Transport officials are close to announcing a decision over what type of flyover they prefer to fix the problem and make the roundabout safer.
This is welcome news given the Western Bay is such a fast-growing area. Latest housing forecasts show nearly 48,000 new houses will be needed in Tauranga within the next 50 years and 10,700 in the rest of the Western Bay.
Papamoa alone is predicted to nearly treble in population by 2051.
It is critical this project is completed as soon as possible.
